Three major (the power of three, sometimes you get two sometimes four) points drawn from this period
#1: Origins of the Korean Church
late 1600s - 1784
- first contact with Christianity was when the Japanese emperor sent a Roman Catholic general with soldiers, including 1,800 catholic soldiers.
- Yi Sunghun brought Christianity into Korea
- Yi Sunghun and Yi Pyok joined together and created the first Korean church.
- there were only few dozen christians
#2: The Growth of Christianity in Korea
1780s-1880s
- Goryo was Buddhist, but Chosun converted to Confucianism because Buddhism was corrupt
- the equality and merit system of the first church was appealing to people
- people were persecuted but the religion kept spreading
#3: Introduction to Protestantism
1880s - early 1900s
- Dr. Horace Allen was the first Protestant missionary to enter Korea as a phycisit.
- Was trusted by king for treating the prince.
- There were schools, religious institutions, orphanages, and the printing press after missionaries were created.
- bibles were written in korean.
#4: Korean Christianity under Japanese Occupation
1910 - 1945
- there was a temporary Japanese government in Korea
- Korean Christians resisted Japanese rule, so the Japanese government did not like the Christians
- Japanese forced Koreans to be Shintoists, but Korea rejected, which led to a spread of Christianity through nationalism
- Christianity increases the Korean nationalism
- koreans lead 삼일 rebellion
#5 Korean Christianity
1945 - now
- During and after the Korean war, Christians helped people by supplying them.
- 60s and 70s, Christians participated in politics, and they were democratic
- For the past few decades, Korea became modernized by Christianity, because Christianity is a western idea.
- Christianity brought modernization
1. Why do you think the first time Christianity entered Korea, it attracted no converts and had
basically no influence on the Korean people or society?
- I think that Christianity did not attract any converts and had no influence when it first entered Korea, because the monotheistic belief was something that was a complete change from the previous polytheistic views, and Koreans probably did not accept Christianity because it was very new for them. Especially since Christianity developed from the West, it was a complete change for the Eastern Asian country.
2. What is unique about how the first Christian church was established in Korea as compared to
the formation of early churches in other parts of the non-western world?
- Something that was unique about the establishment of the first Christian church in Korea was that Christianity was not brought in by a foreigner, but Yi Sunghun, who brought the religion from China. This is different from other cases of religious establishments, because in most other places, new religions were brought by foreigners through interactions such as imperialism or trade.
3. How might this unique start have continued to influence how Christianity is regarded in
Korea?
- I think that this unique start would have made Christianity feel like a more comfortable idea, because it was brought in my someone of their own race, who they knew that they had some similarities and similar beliefs. This would have made the Koreans accept Christianity more.
Shintoism & Shamanism
1. Define mudang, ritual, shaman, kut.
Mudang, also known as shaman, is a person who has received a spirit from a supernatural world, and they're believed to be fortune teller and communicate with God. Also, they're in charge of religious ceremony called a kut or rituals in other words. In a kut, mudang performs with musicians playing instruments such as ching, changgu, and chengum.
2. How has Shamanism influenced Korea? List three ways.
- Some Shamanist ideas are still shown in Korean culture and some superstitions.
- Koreans developed a strong sense of unity and community after Shamanism has introduced.
- When Korea was in natural chaos and wars, Shamanism enabled Koreans to cure diseases, obtain good fortunes, avoid damages, and possibly gain financial success.
3. Describe the role of a mudang or shaman in the kut ceremony. Why are mudang mainly women?
In a kut ceremony, the mudang guides several different types of private and public rituals with several musicians playing different instruments.
Mudangs are mainly women because males generally have a lot of yang, and women have yin. The spirits are attracted to the more pure, yin spirit.
4. Why are music and dance an important part of Shamanism’s rituals?
Singing and dancing in ritual is important for an individual to receive a spirit.
5. Why would members of an organized religion (Buddhists, Catholics, and Protestants) use a shaman? Why do shamans still exist in modern Korea?
Shamans continue to exist in Korea, because modern Buddhists and Christianity have absorbed many Shamanistic folk ideas.
People in Korea consider the Shamanism as traditional and indigenous religion, and that's why some people in Korea still believes in Shamanistic ideas.
Those people proclaim themselves as Buddhists and Christians.
Legalism
1. In Han Fei's ideal state, the will of the law is the supreme governing authority, and this can be seen when he says that "the intelligent sovereign makes the law select men."
2. The two handles are punishment and reward, and they are very important to a legalist state especially because they are the factors that enforce a legalist state. A sovereign must not surrender control over the two handles because justice will break down, and there will be chaos and disorder.
3. Individuality and private initiative play in Han Fei's ideal state hold little to no value, because the ideal Legalist state sees the community or group as a whole, rather than seeing each and every individual person.
4. I think that Legalism appealed to some people because the ideas that were represented in it were very fair. Once social classes came about and there was a large difference between the rich and the poor, there would be a clear advantage to everything for the rich people. However, Legalism embraces the idea of equality.
5. Daoist: The purpose of a good government is to just maintain peace within the people, but nothing more. Morality does not play any role in formulating law, and the quality of a superior ruler is one where he or she does not change anything or make any actions. The proposition "Might makes right" is incorrect because there can only be "right" when things are not meddled with and when it just goes with nature.
Confucianist: The purpose of a good government is to maintain a stable environment and set laws that set of right rules that people must follow. Laws should be based on morality, but the enforcement of it depends on the relationships between the people. A superior ruler should be educated, wise, respectful, and someone that people can look up to. The proposition "Might makes right" is in some ways, true.
Legalist: The purpose of a good government is to enforce laws and create a just society. Morality plays a large role in formulating laws, because that is what makes up the punishments and rewards. The qualities of a superior ruler is one who is able to control the "Two Handles." He must be strict, powerful, and the proposition "Might makes right" is a perfect fit with the government.
Go to the Essential Quotes of Taoism above and read through them. Be sure to note down answers to the following questions. (Be prepared to share your answers):
1. This quote by Lao-Tze that talks about the "gate way to all indescribable marvels" sounds like Heaven in the Christian religion. Indescribable marvels is just like the amazing things that are promised in Heaven. There are also other parts in Tao Teh Ching that remind me of Christianity such as the idea that "The reason why heaven and earth can live long and endure is that they do not live only for themselves." This quote means that people can only live life well and endure it for a long time if they live in harmony with others by not only caring for oneself but also helping other people. This is the same as the Christian idea of sharing with others and always caring for them.
2. Passage 2 does a good job in showing the common ground between Taoism, Buddhism, Confucianism, because even though this passage is from the Tao-te Ching, a Taoist book, it contains Buddhist and Confucianist ideas. An example of this would be in the line "Not paying attention to the desirable keeps the hearts of the people from disaster." This line says that focusing on things that people desire leads people to disaster, so people should stay away from things that might cause desire. This is the Buddhist idea of living a
ascetic life. The Confucianist ideas can be seen in the phrase "Not honoring men of worth". This contains the idea of not being biased against or towards anyone, and treating everyone equally.
3. I think that these lines from passage 2 are talking about the Taoist exercises that Taoists do, such as Tai-chi and meditation. By meditating and calming oneself down, one can relax their mind. Because Taoists believed that chi came from the abdomen, one should reinforce their abdomen. Gentling the will and strengthening the bones refer to have both a good body and mind. One should have a gentle will and have a strong body by exercising (Tai-chi).
4. Confucius believed in the Mandate of Heaven, so a wise ruler should rule over the people who cannot think for themselves, until they go against the will of Heaven. This would be an absolute ruler who is not questioned, like Louis XIV was. Lao-Tze had a completely different idea and thought that people shouldn't try to do anything to change their government, and that they should just leave things the way they already are, which would lead to no problems. This would be anarchy in today's society, and I think that this is not a good system, because either people messed up the flow of the natural world too much, or modern people cannot live in a place with anarchy. I think that Lao-Tze's idea is a more theoretical one, and it would only end up failing in reality.
5. "The third is known as not daring to take the lead in the empire" is the third treasure that Lao-Tze talked about. I think that his message is to not lead the empire, because it is best to just leave it since things will turn out alright if they aren't meddled with. I disagree, because I personally think that leaving things to be is being irresponsible, and people should take responsibility by leading an empire instead of just watching. I believe that being a leader is better than being a follower who can't decide things for his or herself. Lao-tze is saying that people who are ambitious are not intelligent, and that they are making everything worse because things would have been alright if they weren't messed with.
Tao of Pooh Discussion Questions and Quotes
James Huh: 1-8
Shelley Shim: 9-16
David Han: 17-24
Seungah Lee: 25-32
1. What is the significance of the painting Hoff describes named The Vinegar Tasters? (2)
- The Vinegar Tasters is a painting that is significant because it represents the "Three Teachings" of China. The three significant figures who represent Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism are Confucius, Buddha, and Lao-tse. The painting shows the way each belief sees life, which is represented by the vinegar, and this is shown by the different types of faces that are made by the three men.
2. What is the theme of life according to Hoff’s interpretation of Taoism? (5-6)
- According to Hoff, the theme of life according to Taoism is the happiness that occurs when one lives in harmony with the world. Instead of trying to move away from the "world of dust," one should try to join it by appreciating, learning from, and working with what happens. Hoff said that Taoism believes that this directly leads to happiness.
3. How does Hoff explain the “uncarved block” metaphor? (10)
- Hoff explains the idea of the uncarved block by first explaining to the readers that the uncarved blocked represents the original simplicity that things naturally have, and how the things that aren't messed around with contain natural energy. For example, Taoism would see the original, pure form of a boulder as having more natural energy than the boulder changed into a slate to carve words onto.
4. What is the secret message of the “uncarved block?” (12)
- The secret message of the uncarved block is that being simpleminded is the key to living life and getting past its problems. Hoff says that being simpleminded isn't the same as being stupid, and it is actually being calm and having a mirror like mind. He even adds on that it is significant that the simpleminded Pooh is the main character of Winnie the Pooh, because it reflects the idea that Pooh is able to accomplish the things that he does because of his simplemindedness.
5. What was the main conflict between the Confucianists and Taoists according to Hoff? (24)
- The main conflict was that scholars in China were generally Confucianist, and saw things from a different point of view from the Taoists. Lao-tse once said a quote that meant that education could prevent one from seeing all things and being wise, and that being smarter could in a way hinder one's wisdom.
6. Which of Milne’s characters represent Confucianists and Taoists according to Hoff?
- Owl represents a Confucianist and Pooh represents a Taoist.
7. What is Hoff’s opinion of Confucianist scholars? (26)
- Hoff does not have a positive opinion about Confucianist scholars, and he shows this by the way he describes them. First, he describes Owl as a "dried-up Western descendent of the Confucianist Dedicated Scholar, who unlike his Noble but rather Unimaginative ancestor..." Hoff gives a small preview of how he thinks about Confucianist scholars by first calling them unimaginative, and talks more about it when Pooh is confused. The opinion is expanded on, and Hoff says that the Confucianist Scholars kept what he learned to himself and wrote pompous papers that no one would understand instead of working for the enlightenment of the people who read it.
8. What does Hoff say about knowledge vs. experience? (29)
- Hoff says that knowledge and experience are two completely different things, but knowledge that comes from experience is better than just plain knowledge.
9. What do most scholars blame for problems in the world? Why isn’t it justified? (32)
Most scholars blame the "uncarved block" for problems in the world. This isn't justified because the scholars refuse to admit that it is their fault and blame it on the "uncarved block" instead. This is a quality of many people. They try to correct their misconceptions with reasonable justifications, but they do not allow themselves to fully agree to it.
10. What is the difference between “cleverness” and “Inner Nature?” (38)
The difference between "cleverness" and "Inner Nature" is that "cleverness" can be measured, has limitations, and people can understand it, but "Inner nature" cannot be measured nor be clearly understood by people.
11. Why is it important to discern your own Inner Nature? (41)
It isn't important to discern your own Inner Nature because you can figure out where and where not you belong. In knowing this, you can easily tell whether things are right or wrong for you.
12. Explain Hoff’s interpretation of the Chinese quote: “One disease, long life; No disease, short life.” (48)
Hoff's interpretation of the Chinese quote above is the idea that people who acknowledge their problems, admit to their misconceptions, and try to fix them will live longer. However, Hoff believes that people who ignore and neglect their problems, reject the existence of them, and those who fail to correct themselves will die sooner because they failed in looking after themselves. This interpretation is similar to the idea that people who know their limitations will live long and be healthy, whereas those who do not recognize their problems will not.
13. What does Hoff mean when he states that we must learn to “work with Things As They Are?” (50)
By stating that we must learn to "work with Things As They Are", Hoff means that people should recognize the quality of things when they are in their natural form rather than trying to adjust them. Hoff is basically saying that we should appreciate and work with "things that are there" instead of trying to get "things to work with us". Overall, he is saying that it is wiser to recognize things as what they are in the present instead of constantly trying to look for answers to unnecessary questions.
14. What happens to people who do not listen to their Inner Nature? (57)
People who do not listen to their Inner Nature have trouble understanding themselves, are easily influenced by others, and instead of recognizing their own individual identity, they are influenced by other people.
15. What is the Way of Self-Reliance? (57-8)
The Way of Self-Reliance is the process of discovering who we are, what we need to do, and what things are right for us. The most important thing is to understand our individual selves and search for things that match us, instead of looking to others.
16. How can we change ourselves effectively through the principles of Taoism? (58)
We can change ourselves effectively through the principles of Taoism by transforming the things we dislike into favorable, beneficial things or use them in a efficient manner/way. In changing the bad to good, many positive items would be created and help us lessen the struggle we have in getting rid of negative ones.
17. What is the Wu Wei or “The Pooh Way” according to Hoff? (67-8)
It is the most characteristic element of Taoism-in-action. Wu Wei basically means “without doing, causing, or making” or no going against the nature of things. However, in practical way, it means without meddlesome, combative, or egotistical effort.
18. How does the quote, “Tao does not do, but nothing is not done,” explain Wu Wei or “The Pooh Way?” (70)
The quote basically means that Tao doesn’t force or interfere with things, but allows them to do their work in their own way, to produce results naturally. Then whatever that is necessary is done. The quote explains that Tao doesn’t do or put any effort on anything but he gets things done naturally with good results.
19. How does Tai Chi reflect Wu Wei or Taoism as a martial art? (87-8)
Tai Chi Ch’uan is the basic idea of which is to wear the opponent out either by sending his energy back at him or by deflecting it away, in order to weaken his power, balance, and position-for-defense. Never is force opposed with force; instead, it is overcome with yielding. What it means to be overcame with yielding is that results will produce naturally without any force from something just like the idea of We Wei or Taoism.
20. Are you a Bisy Backson? (94)
Just like Bisy Backson is active with his exercises all the time, I also do physical activities, because I play various sports which are good exercises. However, sometimes I see those exercises as works, because it requires physical body movement and work that your body have to do.
21. What is the Bisy Backson view of American history according to Hoff? (103-104)
Bisy Backson thinks that he has to fight and overcome things to progress. The correct definition of progress involves developing and growing which also involves changing inside, but that’s not something the Bisy Backson will do. Bisy Backson believes that he has to change everything and interfering with useless things to make a progress.
22. How does the Bisy Backson waste time by trying to save it? (108-109)
Bisy Backson doesn’t spend his time wisely and usefully, because he thinks doing much work beforehand will save him time, but realistically it doesn’t.
23. What is the Youthful Immortal? (108-9)
Youthful Immortal is one of the most intriguing things about Taoism.
24. What makes us happy in life the goals or the process we go through to reach the goals? Why? (111)
The way of doing things right and going through beneficial process makes us happy, wise and have enjoyment. However, doing things wrong make us miserable, angry, confused.
25. What is the significance of The Stonecutter? (118-9)
The significance of The Stonecutter is that one should always be satisfied of their life no matter which level he or she is in. The Stonecutter wanted to be the merchant, official, sun, and many other things; however, after becoming the stone, he looks down what could be more powerful than the stone and finds out that it was the stonecutter.
26. Explain the significance of the following line from the Tao Te Ching: “From caring comes courage.” (128)
the statement, "From caring comes courage" is significant because it defines having wisdom. According to the story, it is rather significant to those who do not have compassion, do not have wisdom either. Through this quote, people can get more confident and courage in their lives.
27. Where does one find Wisdom, Happiness and Courage? (137)
One can find Wisdom, Happiness, and Courage through appreciating what he or she has given and who you are.
28. What is the “Great Nothing?” (143)
To the Taoist, "Great Nothing" actually means something because they think that nothing is something that many consider to be important. Doing "nothing" will eventually give one a very meaningful and important result.
29. Why is an “Empty sort of mind” so valuable according to Taoism? (146-7)
An "Empty sort of mind" is valuable because it allows one to find pearls and tails that cannot be seen that easily with complicated thoughts inside one's mind. Because Knowledge and Cleverness can lead one to wrong things, it is better to have an empty mind that one can think of something very easily and without complication.
30. Interpret the following quote: “To attain knowledge, add things every day. To attain wisdom, remove things every day.” (148-9)
This statement tells that in order to obtain the knowledge, one should add things by learning. However, in order to obtain the wisdom, one should forget about oneself (how the story mentioned about forgetting his body and senses and leaving all appearance and information behind) and start from nowhere.
31. Why is the child the highest stage of development? (151)
The child is the highest stage of development because the child have the purest and "clear-minded, all-seeing Child" called wisdom by the Taoists which does not apply to the adults. Because the children are very pure and empty-minded, they can actually experience the concept of "Great Nothing" and gain more wisdom.
32. Why may knowledge and cleverness destroy life as we know it? (154)
Knowledge and cleverness may destroy life because cleverness of mind only separates the thinker from the world of reality. Also too much and complicated knowledge will make one to think too much and care too little.
Part 2: Readings (Tradition and Religion)
1. What do you think religion is, and what does it mean to be a religious person? Is Confucius religious? Give your reasons for thinking what you think.
I think that religion is a belief of a spiritual being or beings that one looks to for advice, guidance, or just assistance in living life. Related, I think that a religious person is someone is strict and faithful to their beliefs. One who listens and sticks to what their belief of a spiritual being is someone who is religious. I do not think that Confucius is religious, because the fact that he mentions Heaven does not show that he is religious. "Confucius never discussed strange phenomena, physical exploits, disorder, or spiritual beings. (7:20)" shows us that Confucius did not mention spiritual beings, which makes him a not religious person according to what I think being religious is.
2. Confucius' statements show that he respects Heaven and considers Heaven something that is very powerful. "When Confucius was in personal danger in K'uang, he said, 'Since the death of King Wen, is not the course of culture (wen) in my keeping? If it had been the will of Heaven to destroy this culture, it would not have been given to a mortal like me. But if it is the will of Heaven that this culture should not perish, what can the people of K'uang do to me?' (9:5)" shows that Confucius thinks that Heaven could simply destroy culture if it wanted to. Also in this quote, readers can see that Confucius believes in an idea that is similar to the Mandate of Heaven.
My views of Heaven are similar in thinking that it is something very powerful that should be respected, but I don't think that I consider Heaven that powerful to almost fear it. I personally see Heaven as something powerful but something that is comforting. Confucius, on the other hand, seems to see Heaven as something that humans should not be too close. Confucius respects the idea of Heaven, but respects it to an extent where he does not find the topic a relaxing one.
Questions "What is a Religion? A Philosophy?" - A religion is a belief that someone has to explain events or things that can not be explained with evidence, which usually involves a supernatural power. A philosophy is an idea of way of thinking that one uses to live life and deal with events that happen.
How are religion different from philosophies? How are they similar? Define each? - Religions are different from philosophies in that religions involve the supernatural, while philosophies don't. They're similar in that people can be born into it, and it can spread through families, societies, or even larger groups of area. They are each defined in the previous question.
F Block Huh Jeong Won James Ant Farm for the Pacific War
F Block Huh Jeong Won James Ancient History Unit IIIChristianity
- Yi Sunghun brought Christianity into Korea
- Yi Sunghun and Yi Pyok joined together and created the first Korean church.
- there were only few dozen christians
- the equality and merit system of the first church was appealing to people
- people were persecuted but the religion kept spreading
- Was trusted by king for treating the prince.
- There were schools, religious institutions, orphanages, and the printing press after missionaries were created.
- bibles were written in korean.
- Korean Christians resisted Japanese rule, so the Japanese government did not like the Christians
- Japanese forced Koreans to be Shintoists, but Korea rejected, which led to a spread of Christianity through nationalism
- Christianity increases the Korean nationalism
- koreans lead 삼일 rebellion
- 60s and 70s, Christians participated in politics, and they were democratic
- For the past few decades, Korea became modernized by Christianity, because Christianity is a western idea.
- Christianity brought modernization
1. Why do you think the first time Christianity entered Korea, it attracted no converts and hadbasically no influence on the Korean people or society?
- I think that Christianity did not attract any converts and had no influence when it first entered Korea, because the monotheistic belief was something that was a complete change from the previous polytheistic views, and Koreans probably did not accept Christianity because it was very new for them. Especially since Christianity developed from the West, it was a complete change for the Eastern Asian country.
2. What is unique about how the first Christian church was established in Korea as compared to
the formation of early churches in other parts of the non-western world?
- Something that was unique about the establishment of the first Christian church in Korea was that Christianity was not brought in by a foreigner, but Yi Sunghun, who brought the religion from China. This is different from other cases of religious establishments, because in most other places, new religions were brought by foreigners through interactions such as imperialism or trade.
3. How might this unique start have continued to influence how Christianity is regarded in
Korea?
- I think that this unique start would have made Christianity feel like a more comfortable idea, because it was brought in my someone of their own race, who they knew that they had some similarities and similar beliefs. This would have made the Koreans accept Christianity more.
Shintoism & Shamanism
1. Define mudang, ritual, shaman, kut.
Mudang, also known as shaman, is a person who has received a spirit from a supernatural world, and they're believed to be fortune teller and communicate with God. Also, they're in charge of religious ceremony called a kut or rituals in other words. In a kut, mudang performs with musicians playing instruments such as ching, changgu, and chengum.
2. How has Shamanism influenced Korea? List three ways.
- Some Shamanist ideas are still shown in Korean culture and some superstitions.
- Koreans developed a strong sense of unity and community after Shamanism has introduced.
- When Korea was in natural chaos and wars, Shamanism enabled Koreans to cure diseases, obtain good fortunes, avoid damages, and possibly gain financial success.
3. Describe the role of a mudang or shaman in the kut ceremony. Why are mudang mainly women?
In a kut ceremony, the mudang guides several different types of private and public rituals with several musicians playing different instruments.
Mudangs are mainly women because males generally have a lot of yang, and women have yin. The spirits are attracted to the more pure, yin spirit.
4. Why are music and dance an important part of Shamanism’s rituals?
Singing and dancing in ritual is important for an individual to receive a spirit.
5. Why would members of an organized religion (Buddhists, Catholics, and Protestants) use a shaman? Why do shamans still exist in modern Korea?
Shamans continue to exist in Korea, because modern Buddhists and Christianity have absorbed many Shamanistic folk ideas.
People in Korea consider the Shamanism as traditional and indigenous religion, and that's why some people in Korea still believes in Shamanistic ideas.
Those people proclaim themselves as Buddhists and Christians.
Legalism
1. In Han Fei's ideal state, the will of the law is the supreme governing authority, and this can be seen when he says that "the intelligent sovereign makes the law select men."
2. The two handles are punishment and reward, and they are very important to a legalist state especially because they are the factors that enforce a legalist state. A sovereign must not surrender control over the two handles because justice will break down, and there will be chaos and disorder.
3. Individuality and private initiative play in Han Fei's ideal state hold little to no value, because the ideal Legalist state sees the community or group as a whole, rather than seeing each and every individual person.
4. I think that Legalism appealed to some people because the ideas that were represented in it were very fair. Once social classes came about and there was a large difference between the rich and the poor, there would be a clear advantage to everything for the rich people. However, Legalism embraces the idea of equality.
5. Daoist: The purpose of a good government is to just maintain peace within the people, but nothing more. Morality does not play any role in formulating law, and the quality of a superior ruler is one where he or she does not change anything or make any actions. The proposition "Might makes right" is incorrect because there can only be "right" when things are not meddled with and when it just goes with nature.
Confucianist: The purpose of a good government is to maintain a stable environment and set laws that set of right rules that people must follow. Laws should be based on morality, but the enforcement of it depends on the relationships between the people. A superior ruler should be educated, wise, respectful, and someone that people can look up to. The proposition "Might makes right" is in some ways, true.
Legalist: The purpose of a good government is to enforce laws and create a just society. Morality plays a large role in formulating laws, because that is what makes up the punishments and rewards. The qualities of a superior ruler is one who is able to control the "Two Handles." He must be strict, powerful, and the proposition "Might makes right" is a perfect fit with the government.
Taoism
Go to the Essential Quotes of Taoism above and read through them. Be sure to note down answers to the following questions. (Be prepared to share your answers):
1. This quote by Lao-Tze that talks about the "gate way to all indescribable marvels" sounds like Heaven in the Christian religion. Indescribable marvels is just like the amazing things that are promised in Heaven. There are also other parts in Tao Teh Ching that remind me of Christianity such as the idea that "The reason why heaven and earth can live long and endure is that they do not live only for themselves." This quote means that people can only live life well and endure it for a long time if they live in harmony with others by not only caring for oneself but also helping other people. This is the same as the Christian idea of sharing with others and always caring for them.
2. Passage 2 does a good job in showing the common ground between Taoism, Buddhism, Confucianism, because even though this passage is from the Tao-te Ching, a Taoist book, it contains Buddhist and Confucianist ideas. An example of this would be in the line "Not paying attention to the desirable keeps the hearts of the people from disaster." This line says that focusing on things that people desire leads people to disaster, so people should stay away from things that might cause desire. This is the Buddhist idea of living a
ascetic life. The Confucianist ideas can be seen in the phrase "Not honoring men of worth". This contains the idea of not being biased against or towards anyone, and treating everyone equally.
3. I think that these lines from passage 2 are talking about the Taoist exercises that Taoists do, such as Tai-chi and meditation. By meditating and calming oneself down, one can relax their mind. Because Taoists believed that chi came from the abdomen, one should reinforce their abdomen. Gentling the will and strengthening the bones refer to have both a good body and mind. One should have a gentle will and have a strong body by exercising (Tai-chi).
4. Confucius believed in the Mandate of Heaven, so a wise ruler should rule over the people who cannot think for themselves, until they go against the will of Heaven. This would be an absolute ruler who is not questioned, like Louis XIV was. Lao-Tze had a completely different idea and thought that people shouldn't try to do anything to change their government, and that they should just leave things the way they already are, which would lead to no problems. This would be anarchy in today's society, and I think that this is not a good system, because either people messed up the flow of the natural world too much, or modern people cannot live in a place with anarchy. I think that Lao-Tze's idea is a more theoretical one, and it would only end up failing in reality.
5. "The third is known as not daring to take the lead in the empire" is the third treasure that Lao-Tze talked about. I think that his message is to not lead the empire, because it is best to just leave it since things will turn out alright if they aren't meddled with. I disagree, because I personally think that leaving things to be is being irresponsible, and people should take responsibility by leading an empire instead of just watching. I believe that being a leader is better than being a follower who can't decide things for his or herself. Lao-tze is saying that people who are ambitious are not intelligent, and that they are making everything worse because things would have been alright if they weren't messed with.
Tao of Pooh Discussion Questions and Quotes
James Huh: 1-8
Shelley Shim: 9-16
David Han: 17-24
Seungah Lee: 25-32
1. What is the significance of the painting Hoff describes named The Vinegar Tasters? (2)
- The Vinegar Tasters is a painting that is significant because it represents the "Three Teachings" of China. The three significant figures who represent Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism are Confucius, Buddha, and Lao-tse. The painting shows the way each belief sees life, which is represented by the vinegar, and this is shown by the different types of faces that are made by the three men.
2. What is the theme of life according to Hoff’s interpretation of Taoism? (5-6)
- According to Hoff, the theme of life according to Taoism is the happiness that occurs when one lives in harmony with the world. Instead of trying to move away from the "world of dust," one should try to join it by appreciating, learning from, and working with what happens. Hoff said that Taoism believes that this directly leads to happiness.
3. How does Hoff explain the “uncarved block” metaphor? (10)
- Hoff explains the idea of the uncarved block by first explaining to the readers that the uncarved blocked represents the original simplicity that things naturally have, and how the things that aren't messed around with contain natural energy. For example, Taoism would see the original, pure form of a boulder as having more natural energy than the boulder changed into a slate to carve words onto.
4. What is the secret message of the “uncarved block?” (12)
- The secret message of the uncarved block is that being simpleminded is the key to living life and getting past its problems. Hoff says that being simpleminded isn't the same as being stupid, and it is actually being calm and having a mirror like mind. He even adds on that it is significant that the simpleminded Pooh is the main character of Winnie the Pooh, because it reflects the idea that Pooh is able to accomplish the things that he does because of his simplemindedness.
5. What was the main conflict between the Confucianists and Taoists according to Hoff? (24)
- The main conflict was that scholars in China were generally Confucianist, and saw things from a different point of view from the Taoists. Lao-tse once said a quote that meant that education could prevent one from seeing all things and being wise, and that being smarter could in a way hinder one's wisdom.
6. Which of Milne’s characters represent Confucianists and Taoists according to Hoff?
- Owl represents a Confucianist and Pooh represents a Taoist.
7. What is Hoff’s opinion of Confucianist scholars? (26)
- Hoff does not have a positive opinion about Confucianist scholars, and he shows this by the way he describes them. First, he describes Owl as a "dried-up Western descendent of the Confucianist Dedicated Scholar, who unlike his Noble but rather Unimaginative ancestor..." Hoff gives a small preview of how he thinks about Confucianist scholars by first calling them unimaginative, and talks more about it when Pooh is confused. The opinion is expanded on, and Hoff says that the Confucianist Scholars kept what he learned to himself and wrote pompous papers that no one would understand instead of working for the enlightenment of the people who read it.
8. What does Hoff say about knowledge vs. experience? (29)
- Hoff says that knowledge and experience are two completely different things, but knowledge that comes from experience is better than just plain knowledge.
9. What do most scholars blame for problems in the world? Why isn’t it justified? (32)
Most scholars blame the "uncarved block" for problems in the world. This isn't justified because the scholars refuse to admit that it is their fault and blame it on the "uncarved block" instead. This is a quality of many people. They try to correct their misconceptions with reasonable justifications, but they do not allow themselves to fully agree to it.
10. What is the difference between “cleverness” and “Inner Nature?” (38)
The difference between "cleverness" and "Inner Nature" is that "cleverness" can be measured, has limitations, and people can understand it, but "Inner nature" cannot be measured nor be clearly understood by people.
11. Why is it important to discern your own Inner Nature? (41)
It isn't important to discern your own Inner Nature because you can figure out where and where not you belong. In knowing this, you can easily tell whether things are right or wrong for you.
12. Explain Hoff’s interpretation of the Chinese quote: “One disease, long life; No disease, short life.” (48)
Hoff's interpretation of the Chinese quote above is the idea that people who acknowledge their problems, admit to their misconceptions, and try to fix them will live longer. However, Hoff believes that people who ignore and neglect their problems, reject the existence of them, and those who fail to correct themselves will die sooner because they failed in looking after themselves. This interpretation is similar to the idea that people who know their limitations will live long and be healthy, whereas those who do not recognize their problems will not.
13. What does Hoff mean when he states that we must learn to “work with Things As They Are?” (50)
By stating that we must learn to "work with Things As They Are", Hoff means that people should recognize the quality of things when they are in their natural form rather than trying to adjust them. Hoff is basically saying that we should appreciate and work with "things that are there" instead of trying to get "things to work with us". Overall, he is saying that it is wiser to recognize things as what they are in the present instead of constantly trying to look for answers to unnecessary questions.
14. What happens to people who do not listen to their Inner Nature? (57)
People who do not listen to their Inner Nature have trouble understanding themselves, are easily influenced by others, and instead of recognizing their own individual identity, they are influenced by other people.
15. What is the Way of Self-Reliance? (57-8)
The Way of Self-Reliance is the process of discovering who we are, what we need to do, and what things are right for us. The most important thing is to understand our individual selves and search for things that match us, instead of looking to others.
16. How can we change ourselves effectively through the principles of Taoism? (58)
We can change ourselves effectively through the principles of Taoism by transforming the things we dislike into favorable, beneficial things or use them in a efficient manner/way. In changing the bad to good, many positive items would be created and help us lessen the struggle we have in getting rid of negative ones.
17. What is the Wu Wei or “The Pooh Way” according to Hoff? (67-8)
It is the most characteristic element of Taoism-in-action. Wu Wei basically means “without doing, causing, or making” or no going against the nature of things. However, in practical way, it means without meddlesome, combative, or egotistical effort.
18. How does the quote, “Tao does not do, but nothing is not done,” explain Wu Wei or “The Pooh Way?” (70)
The quote basically means that Tao doesn’t force or interfere with things, but allows them to do their work in their own way, to produce results naturally. Then whatever that is necessary is done. The quote explains that Tao doesn’t do or put any effort on anything but he gets things done naturally with good results.
19. How does Tai Chi reflect Wu Wei or Taoism as a martial art? (87-8)
Tai Chi Ch’uan is the basic idea of which is to wear the opponent out either by sending his energy back at him or by deflecting it away, in order to weaken his power, balance, and position-for-defense. Never is force opposed with force; instead, it is overcome with yielding. What it means to be overcame with yielding is that results will produce naturally without any force from something just like the idea of We Wei or Taoism.
20. Are you a Bisy Backson? (94)
Just like Bisy Backson is active with his exercises all the time, I also do physical activities, because I play various sports which are good exercises. However, sometimes I see those exercises as works, because it requires physical body movement and work that your body have to do.
21. What is the Bisy Backson view of American history according to Hoff? (103-104)
Bisy Backson thinks that he has to fight and overcome things to progress. The correct definition of progress involves developing and growing which also involves changing inside, but that’s not something the Bisy Backson will do. Bisy Backson believes that he has to change everything and interfering with useless things to make a progress.
22. How does the Bisy Backson waste time by trying to save it? (108-109)
Bisy Backson doesn’t spend his time wisely and usefully, because he thinks doing much work beforehand will save him time, but realistically it doesn’t.
23. What is the Youthful Immortal? (108-9)
Youthful Immortal is one of the most intriguing things about Taoism.
24. What makes us happy in life the goals or the process we go through to reach the goals? Why? (111)
The way of doing things right and going through beneficial process makes us happy, wise and have enjoyment. However, doing things wrong make us miserable, angry, confused.
25. What is the significance of The Stonecutter? (118-9)
The significance of The Stonecutter is that one should always be satisfied of their life no matter which level he or she is in. The Stonecutter wanted to be the merchant, official, sun, and many other things; however, after becoming the stone, he looks down what could be more powerful than the stone and finds out that it was the stonecutter.
26. Explain the significance of the following line from the Tao Te Ching: “From caring comes courage.” (128)
the statement, "From caring comes courage" is significant because it defines having wisdom. According to the story, it is rather significant to those who do not have compassion, do not have wisdom either. Through this quote, people can get more confident and courage in their lives.
27. Where does one find Wisdom, Happiness and Courage? (137)
One can find Wisdom, Happiness, and Courage through appreciating what he or she has given and who you are.
28. What is the “Great Nothing?” (143)
To the Taoist, "Great Nothing" actually means something because they think that nothing is something that many consider to be important. Doing "nothing" will eventually give one a very meaningful and important result.
29. Why is an “Empty sort of mind” so valuable according to Taoism? (146-7)
An "Empty sort of mind" is valuable because it allows one to find pearls and tails that cannot be seen that easily with complicated thoughts inside one's mind. Because Knowledge and Cleverness can lead one to wrong things, it is better to have an empty mind that one can think of something very easily and without complication.
30. Interpret the following quote: “To attain knowledge, add things every day. To attain wisdom, remove things every day.” (148-9)
This statement tells that in order to obtain the knowledge, one should add things by learning. However, in order to obtain the wisdom, one should forget about oneself (how the story mentioned about forgetting his body and senses and leaving all appearance and information behind) and start from nowhere.
31. Why is the child the highest stage of development? (151)
The child is the highest stage of development because the child have the purest and "clear-minded, all-seeing Child" called wisdom by the Taoists which does not apply to the adults. Because the children are very pure and empty-minded, they can actually experience the concept of "Great Nothing" and gain more wisdom.
32. Why may knowledge and cleverness destroy life as we know it? (154)
Knowledge and cleverness may destroy life because cleverness of mind only separates the thinker from the world of reality. Also too much and complicated knowledge will make one to think too much and care too little.
Confucianism:
Confucius and Confucianism Notes
Part 2: Readings (Tradition and Religion)
1. What do you think religion is, and what does it mean to be a religious person? Is Confucius religious? Give your reasons for thinking what you think.
I think that religion is a belief of a spiritual being or beings that one looks to for advice, guidance, or just assistance in living life. Related, I think that a religious person is someone is strict and faithful to their beliefs. One who listens and sticks to what their belief of a spiritual being is someone who is religious. I do not think that Confucius is religious, because the fact that he mentions Heaven does not show that he is religious. "Confucius never discussed strange phenomena, physical exploits, disorder, or spiritual beings. (7:20)" shows us that Confucius did not mention spiritual beings, which makes him a not religious person according to what I think being religious is.
2. Confucius' statements show that he respects Heaven and considers Heaven something that is very powerful. "When Confucius was in personal danger in K'uang, he said, 'Since the death of King Wen, is not the course of culture (wen) in my keeping? If it had been the will of Heaven to destroy this culture, it would not have been given to a mortal like me. But if it is the will of Heaven that this culture should not perish, what can the people of K'uang do to me?' (9:5)" shows that Confucius thinks that Heaven could simply destroy culture if it wanted to. Also in this quote, readers can see that Confucius believes in an idea that is similar to the Mandate of Heaven.
My views of Heaven are similar in thinking that it is something very powerful that should be respected, but I don't think that I consider Heaven that powerful to almost fear it. I personally see Heaven as something powerful but something that is comforting. Confucius, on the other hand, seems to see Heaven as something that humans should not be too close. Confucius respects the idea of Heaven, but respects it to an extent where he does not find the topic a relaxing one.
Buddhism:
Comparison Chart of Different Schools of Buddhism
Buddhism Story "Four on a Log"
Current Event : Korean Wave
Religion :
Questions
"What is a Religion? A Philosophy?"
- A religion is a belief that someone has to explain events or things that can not be explained with evidence, which usually involves a supernatural power. A philosophy is an idea of way of thinking that one uses to live life and deal with events that happen.
How are religion different from philosophies? How are they similar? Define each?
- Religions are different from philosophies in that religions involve the supernatural, while philosophies don't. They're similar in that people can be born into it, and it can spread through families, societies, or even larger groups of area. They are each defined in the previous question.
Faith Journey